Curriculum

Key Stage

Content

Assessment

3

In year 7 we provide students with opportunities to develop their confidence and skills in the latest technologies including multimedia software such as Photostory and Audacity for podcasting; In addition they develop skills and techniques in the use of Publisher, Excel and sequencing instructions software. An important part of the ICT curriculum is to encourage students to identify and consider the impact of ICT on different areas of society.

In Year 8 we provide students with opportunities to develop their confidence and skills in the latest technologies including multimedia software, podcasting, video editing, coding and Web design. In addition they develop skills and techniques in the use of spreadsheets, data handling and game design. They are encouraged to make decisions about what software to use to solve problems They will learn essential skills to prepare them for the demands of the wider world and prepare them to continue with ICT at KS4.

In lessons they will be taught how to use software and hardware tools for specific purposes. They will be encouraged to be creative and analytical in completing work and also to consider how they could apply the skills they develop to enhance work in other areas of the curriculum. On completion of each Unit they will be given achievement levels (related to National Curriculum ICT) and targets to improve.

How and when the students are assessed.

Assessment takes place during and after every of unit of work where students are giving attainment and progress levels as well as targets.

Students are assessed using formative and summative assessment throughout the year and are able to recognise personal targets and levels of progress.

4

In years 9, 10 or 11 students study an ICT full course (either at GCSE or an equivalent to at least one GCSE– grades A* to C, depending on their chosen options).

The course is designed to enable students to:

Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the use of ICT in a business environment

Encourage students to use ICT for the presentation and manipulation of information.

Develop as independent learners.

Develop a deeper understanding of skills essential for the modern workplace.

Students will need to carryout research outside the lesson. The practical task (controlled assessment is done in lessons). Their teacher will make sure that students understand what they need to do and what work needs to be handed in, although it is the students responsibility to read the tasks carefully. Students will also need to spend time going through practice examination papers.

Enrichment opportunities on offer

A key feature of the ICT provision at Whitefield School is the availability of ICT facilities for pupils.

To this end we endeavor to meet the needs of pupils by offering as much support, guidance and facilities as possible. A range of opportunities are provided:

Morning ICT Clubs (daily for all students)

Lunch-Time Internet Clubs & Support Clubs (daily – one year group each day)

After-School Work & Support ICT Clubs (daily)

Special Revision holiday classes (Easter & May)

Online learning is available to all students via the school’s Managed Learning Environment (Bromcom)

Student progress is monitored through a controlled assessment criteria based on coursework. Provisional grades are ascertained and targets are set enabling student to achieve their full potential.

5

After completing the GCSE in ICT students will be able to move onto ICT courses at A Level and University, which will equip them for a career in a wide range of industries such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Multimedia, Software Engineering, Computer Networking, e-Business and Information Management. This course introduces students to experience the ICT environment in a variety of approaches including how communication is used within the IT industry and the use of information systems.

Unit 1 - Communication and employability skills in ICT

Distinction*

70 UCAS Points

Distinction

60 UCAS Points

Merit

40 UCAS Points

Pass

20 UCAS Points

Unit 2 - Information systems

Unit 15 - Computer Game Platforms

Unit 30 - Business Resources

Unit 16 - 2D animation production

Unit 12 - Website production

All students last year achieved 100% pass rate with 70% achieving a distinction*.

The OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate in IT will equip students for a career in a wide range of industries as well as to study for a degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Multimedia and Information Management. It also prepares students for the world of work or OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Industry Diploma in IT is recognised qualification with universities and valued by employers.

Student progress is monitored through a controlled assessment criteria based on coursework. Provisional grades are determined and students are able to identify the criteria to fulfil and go beyond their full potential.